1983 R.C. Munne Melanerpes formicivorus Finch 5 April Watching here 0945, looking for any signs of mate guarding. Doesn't look like it. 0955, ♂66 working very concernedly in the Valley Oaks, moving acorns. For awhile, ♀541 nearby, but ♂66 flew away from her, returned, then failed to follow her. Certainly he should be guarding, if anyone is. 1025, also saw ♂66 move away from ♀543. Only other birds seen were ♂613, ♂542 (who followed ♀543 once) and ♀816 14 April Another watch, 1200-1300: Not as good as on 5 April, but still looks like nothing's happening. ♂66 flew in by himself once or twice. ♀541 & ♀543 moved around a few times, not obviously followed by anybody. Maybe Finch won't nest this year. 28 April Another dull watch: ♀541 + ♀543 both conspicuous, but no evidence of any ♂ guarding one or the other. ♂63, ♂66, ♂542, ♂616 (not seen since January), ♀816 all seen, too. 1 May Quick look here, ♀541 + ♀543 hanging out in the Sycamore granary, but nobody seems to be paying them much mind. 2 June Watching 1445. Looks dull. Only interesting thing is that I clearly saw ♀543 take several sharp pecks at ♀541, so at least I now know that dom. relationship. ♀816 (seen a week ago at [illegible], ♂616, ♂542, ♂66 also seen. Nobody in any hole, no evidence of food carrying, etc. 1530, ♂613 also seen, as well as ♂63. So a complete census.